Skip to main content

Made by a Fabricista: Channeling my Inner Coco Chanel

Hi Everyone!  My name is Johanna Ali and I am SEW excited to be a Fabric Mart Fabricista!  I’ve been shopping with Fabric Mart for years and have been wanting to be a Fabricista since then too, so I jumped at the opportunity as soon as they posted it.  So, here I am.  I will be sharing my Chanel Inspired Jacket and how I made my own trim.

The classic Chanel Jacket is iconic and sophisticated as it should be with the price tag associated with them. Usually, the classic Chanel Jacket is made using a tweed or a bouclé fabric and are hand sewn.  This is what makes them couture.  Other distinct characteristics are the front pockets, the ornate buttons and trim as well as the chain weighted hem.  The lining is also quilted to the jacket.


There are several patterns produced by the big 4 pattern companies that you can use for this make.  Initially, I was going to use Vogue 8804, but I decided to go in a different direction and used Simplicity 8741 instead with some modifications.

I sewed view A.  I removed the front facing of the jacket because I was not going to add any closures to it.  I removed 2 inches from the sleeve hem and I used the pockets from Vogue 8804.

While searching for fabric on Fabric Mart Fabrics website, I came across this beautiful Royal Blue/Black Polyester Geometric Design Boucle Suiting. I selected this fabric because blue is my favorite color.  I also selected it because I really liked the pattern on the fabric.  Since there aren’t any straight lines, I wouldn’t have to worry about pattern matching.

Another distinct feature that I love about the Chanel Jacket are the infinite options you can use for the trim.  If you go on Pinterest and look up Chanel Jacket trims you will truly be mind blown. Some trims you might see are ribbon, chain, braided trim and even pearls.  I decided to make my own! It’s not as difficult as you might think.  Cut 2” strips of fabric on the bias of your fabric. Sew a zig zag stitch on the fabric down the center of the length of your strip of fabric.  Also, I cut mine on the fold and I sewed both pieces together.  Then, I used a seam ripper to separate the fabric threads and that’s it! I’m kind of kidding.  Pack your patience as you’ll have to make enough to go ALL around ALL of the outer seams of your jacket as well as your pockets.  It will be so worth it in the end.  I promise.



Although, I totally cheated and didn’t sew a traditional couture garment, I am so in love with my Chanel Inspired Jacket.  It’s so chic!  As I said above, I really love that you can totally customize your jacket and give it your personal touch.  


I hope you all enjoyed my jacket as much as I do.  

Until next time!

JOHANNA @soveryjo





Unfortunately Fabric Mart Fabrics sell out quickly!
You can find similar fabrics by shopping the following categories: BOUCLE & SUITING.

Comments

  1. The fringe is perfection and the color is delicious.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! I loved learning how to make it.

      Delete
  2. What a super interpretation of the classic Chanel jacket. Your trim is beautiful and obviously took lots of effort. Well done!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! Yes, the trim took a bit more time then I thought it would. I even had my husband helping me out. lol

      Delete
  3. Love your fringe treatment. The pockets are fabulous. This looks great on you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much. I won't lie and say I want to add trim to everything now!

      Delete
  4. Stunning and such personality. I am glad you brought up the jacket hem, it is just right to be flattering. I would love to see the inside finishes too.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Vogue Magazine worthy! Wow!!!!!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Thanks for leaving a comment! All comments are reviewed before posting to help us eliminate spam. Your comment will be posted within 24 hours.

Popular Posts You Might Like

Made By A Fabricista: Three Bengaline Basics – A Jacket, Skirt and Vest

Hello Sewing Friends! It’s Sharon from Sharon Sews excited to share my latest Fabricista makes with you.  When Fabric Mart offered an array of stretch bengaline suiting fabrics , I choose three different fabrics to sew myself a few basics to be worn as the season transitions from winter to spring. The bengaline fabric I used is a woven rayon/nylon/lycra blend fabric with the stretch running vertically (lengthwise on the fabric) instead of horizontally (selvage to selvage).  It lends itself well to fitted and structured garments, such as jackets, pants, skirts and dresses. Because of the vertical stretch, I folded the fabric cross grain to cut out my fabric pieces so the greatest stretch would go around my body.   I used a stretch needle size 75/11 due to the lycra in the fabric. I also eliminated the interfacing as I discovered this fabric did not like fusible interfacing and I did not have any sew-in interfacing on hand.   Now let’s talk about the garments...

Made By A Fabricista: FROM FABRIC TO FASHION: - The Saguaro Set with Fabric Mart Fabric

The weather in Southwest Florida is finally starting to warm up.  With the warm air and bright sunshine, I have been thinking about refreshing my “at home” wardrobe with some fun easy pieces this year.     I have wanted to make The Saguaro Set for some time now.   When I saw the beautiful selection of rayon challis on the Fabric Mart website, I knew now was the perfect time to get it started.   THE FABRIC I researched a lot to see which fabric would work the best for this pattern.   I chose the Deep Amaranth Pink 100% Rayon Twill Challis for my project.    It is a beautiful color that to me looks more coral. The fabric is light to medium weight and has beautiful drape.  The care instructions said gentle wash or hand wash.   I prewashed the fabric in cold water on the delicate cycle.  However, after drying it on the delicate cycle, the fabric had an almost vintage distressed look.   I was a bit co...

Made By A Fabricista: Revisiting a Pattern After Five Years

Have you ever used a sewing pattern and then immediately vowed never to sew it again? Well, I have. It all began in the spring of 2020 at the start of the pandemic lockdown. I tackled sewing projects that were more challenging to help me grow as a seamstress. There was one pattern in particular that almost did me in, the Seamwork Penny shirt dress. The Penny dress pattern has a classic button-up dress shirt style bodice with a gathered skirt and pockets. It is a beautiful take on a shirt dress, and my sister and I loved it. The only downside is that it was recommended for intermediate-level sewists and I was only an adventurous beginner back then.  I think I had only ever made one button-up shirt before attempting this Penny Dress and it didn’t even have a collar! Despite all of this, I thought “Why not try it, what’s the worst that can happen?”  Thankfully the worst didn’t happen, and the dress turned out surprisingly wearable, but I had some intense frustration at the end. I...